Pressure

Mapping
Technology for
Biomechanics
Research
A General Overview of Applications
to Optimize Movement, Function, and
Predict Consequences of Intervention
Table of Contents

3 Objective Biomechanical Data + Third-Party Validation = Informed Research Decisions

4 Biomechanical Application Groups for Pressure Mapping Technology

5 Human Gait Analysis - In-Shoe

6 Human Gait Analysis - Platform

7 Animal Gait Analysis

8 Pressure Offloading

9 Seating & Positioning

10 Joint Analysis

11 Balance & Stability

12 Footwear R&D

13 Retail Foot Mapping

14 How Can Your Field of Study Benefit from Actionable Pressure Mapping Technology?
 3

INTRODUCTION

Objective Biomechanical Data +

Third-Party Validation =
Informed Research Decisions
Biomechanics research exists to optimize mapping technologies for biomechanics
movement, function, and predict the research, and some of the many ways
consequences of intervention (e.g., they can and have been used by
surgery and assistive devices). It is a vast researchers to:
field of study that calls for advanced
technologies to obtain objective data • Easily detect asymmetries
on variables that can influence clinical • Develop injury prevention protocols
choices.
• Optimize sports performance
Fortunately for you, over the last several
decades, biomechanical researchers • Improve surgical techniques
around the world have incorporated • Confirm fitting of prosthetics
pressure mapping technology as
an important research tool in their • Assist in rehabilitative programs,
repertoire. These application-specific and much more.
systems incorporate an ultra-thin,
minimally-invasive pressure sensor to
measure relative pressure and force
distribution in real time, at high-
resolutions, and at different scanning
speeds.

By analyzing movements, forces, and

plantar pressure exerted by lower
extremities, you are presented with
objective data that visual assessments
cannot provide.

This eBook will provide a deep overview

of our complete portfolio of pressure Comparison of left and right foot
asymmetries in a jumping experiment.
 4

Human Gait Animal Gait

Pressure Offloading Seating & Positioning

THIN, CONFORMABLE
PRESSURE SENSORS
CAPTURE VITAL DATA
FOR YOUR RESEARCH
The next several pages will share more Joint Analysis Balance & Stability
information on how pressure mapping
technology can serve these diverse
biomechanics research topics. Feel free
to click off of any of the many hyperlinks
embedded in this eBook to explore these
technologies and research articles further.

Footwear R&D Retail Foot Mapping

 5
H uman G ait A nalysis - I n -S hoe
QUESTIONS: Are you seeking gait data specific to foot function? Or, do you want to capture data in changing environments?

Your Solution Could be

F-Scan ™
Learn More!
In-Shoe Pressure Measurement System

F-Scan is a best-in-class tool for profiling anatomical locations on a

plantar surface. This data reveals what’s happening inside the shoe during F-Scan sensors are flexible and
the phases of gait. trimmable to fit into most any shoe
• Capture temporal parameters, in addition to pressure and force size or style.

• Display force vs. time graphs and pressure profiles in real time
• Measure gait data in true-to-life testing environments outside your
F-Scan offers the gait lab
freedom to capture
dynamic in-shoe • Automatically generate reports to
pressure data from compare data sets
virtually any testing
location.

Generate table of gait parameters including step, stride, stance, and swing times.

R ecent H uman G ait A nalysis R esearch with F-S can :

• How do elderly individuals with weaker foot function navigate obstacles?
• Which landing technique demonstrates safer mechanics, greater jumping performance, and enhanced
muscle activation?
• How does reduced body weight affect plantar pressure during running?
 6
H uman G ait A nalysis - P latform
QUESTIONS: Are you seeking objective information on plantar pressure, plus temporal (time), spatial (distance), and kinetic
(movement) parameters? Or, do you wish to identify asymmetries or gait dysfunctions over several strides?

Your Solution Could be

Strideway ™
Learn More!

Modular Gait Analysis Platform

Strideway is the first truly modular gait analysis platform in
the industry. Each system is customizable for different sensor
resolutions, and with system lengths up to 6.5 m (21.3 ft) long.
• The modular platform captures multiple footsteps in a
single pass, allowing you to choose the system sensing area
and sensor resolution.
Strideway offers the ability to omit assistive devices like walkers
• Integrates with other gait lab technologies, including EMG and canes, improving the validity of your data collection.
and motion capture systems
• Automatically detects foot strikes with labels for left or
right, and number of stances from first to last
• Low profile reduces risk of tripping, minimizing gait changes
• Wider platform accommodates walkers, canes, and other
assistive devices.

R ecent H uman G ait A nalysis R esearch with S trideway :

• How does Strideway compare against force plate technology?
• How does Strideway compare to an In-Shoe system?
• How can carrying shopping bags contribute to lower back pain, strains, and sprains?*
*This specific study used an earlier generation of the Strideway system called the “Walkway.”
 7
A nimal G ait A nalysis
QUESTION: Are you seeking a solution to capture essential parameters for identifying animal lameness beyond visual observation?

Your Solutions Could be

Animal Strideway™ High Resolution Animal Walkway™ Hoof™ System

Modular Gait Analysis Platform Low-Profile Floor System In-Shoe Pressure Measurement

Learn More! Learn More! Learn More!

Are you evaluating dogs, cats, and similar sized
animals, and need a low-profile, quick-setup, and
adjustable walkway system? Consider the Animal
Strideway
• Evaluates pressure and force per limb
• Provides automated calculation of an array of
gait parameters
Do you need a system with greater sensing resolutions to capture
animals of all sizes -- from rodents and birds, to hooved
animals? Consider the High Resolution Animal Walkway
• Offered in a variety of standard sizes to allow for multiple
paw/hoof/talon strikes.
Are you specifically conducting research on equine or
large animal gait and ambulatory function? Consider
the Hoof System.
• Offers instant data at every critical gait phase,
providing objective, quantifiable feedback to treat
lameness, hoof, shoeing, and other disorders.
• Scanning speed of up to 100 Hz

R ecent A nimal G ait A nalysis R esearch with T ekscan T echnology :

• Is visual observation telling you the complete story of gait dysfunction in dogs, and other quadrupeds?
• How does hoof trimming affect hoof kinetics and kinematics?
• How can gait analysis technology provide quantifiable data on the effects of animal pharmacology testing?
• Can jump tests provide evidence of animals suffering from orthopedic conditions?
 8
P ressure O ffloading
QUESTIONS: Are you seeking a method to identify & analyze function pathologies, and how they coincide with pressure & timing? Or,
are you seeking a method to compare pre- and post-treatments, including validation of orthotic treatments?

Your Solution Could be

F-Scan ™
Learn More!
In-Shoe Pressure Measurement System
Any podiatrist will tell you: There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all method for orthotic selection.
Nevertheless, F-Scan is a proven method to help optimize orthotics, and educate your subjects on
plantar pressure distribution.
• Profile pressure distribution before and after orthotics are inserted
• Identify potential pressure “hot spots” within the shoe that could cause further complications
• Determine pressure is being off-loaded properly, and whether adjustments to the orthotic may
be necessary
• Identify whether the orthotic changes behavior while the subject pivots, runs, jumps, or makes
other dynamic movements

R ecent P ressure O ffloading R esearch with F-S can :

• Is it possible to quantify plantar flexor strength in people with diabetic neuropathy?
• Can you measure the durability of plantar padding in reducing forefoot plantar pressure?
• Can you assess pressure redistribution of individuals before and after in-sole therapy?
Screenshot from F-Scan software displaying pressure distribution in a trainer type shoe
“before” and “after” an orthotic device was inserted. Red colors indicate
areas of high pressure.
 9
S eating & P ositioning
QUESTION: Are you seeking a method to measure pressure distribution and Center of Force (CoF) trajectory to develop an optimal
seating and positioning design?

Your Solution Could be

CONFORMat
Body Pressure Measurement System
™
Learn More!

CONFORMat is an effective tool to measure and screen for high pressure areas that may be at increased
risk for sores, ulcers, and wounds. A simple pressure mapping exam from CONFORMat can help prevent
complications by providing objective documentation for treatment selections.
• Captures pressure magnitude readings at areas of highest
loading and at the most complex curvature
• Validate materials for cushion design and supports
• Ultra-thin, flexible sensor design contains 2,000 sensing
elements that can move independently from each other,
providing the most accurate interface pressure measurements

CONFORMat identifies high-

pressure areas and shows the
effect of positioning changes.

The CONFORMat sensor

R ecent S eating & P ositioning R esearch with CONFORM at :
is a matrix of individual • How can you measure the effectiveness of a physical therapy treatments of patients suffering
sensing cells that from spinal cord injuries?
effectively conform to
the shape of the seat and • What are the relations between sitting, balance, and functional recovery of stroke patients?
subject.
 10
J oint A nalysis
QUESTION: Are you conducting cadaver studies to assess the loading and off-loading of articulating joints?

Your Solution Could be

SHOULDER SOCKET
& SCAPULA
K-Scan
Joint Analysis System
™
Learn More!

K-Scan is used by researchers in cadaver studies to capture objective and quantifiable

joint analysis data for both humans and animals. The system measures pressure, force,
and contact area between adjacent articulating bones to provide a better understanding
of how they are functioning, articulating, and loading.
VERTEBRAE &
HIP • Multiple sensor designs offer the freedom to capture pressure data between
nearly any two articulating surfaces
• View and assess the impact of various compartment geometries
• Assess the design and evaluate the function of artificial joints
• Provide data for finite stress analysis

KNEE JOINT

WRIST JOINT

R ecent J oint A nalysis R esearch with K-S can :

• What are the biomechanical effects of lateral bending position on performing
cervical spinal manipulation for cervical disc herniation?
ANKLE JOINT
• What are the force transmissions through the pelvic joints during total hip
anthroplasty?
• Which suture anchor-based techniques produce better contact pressure for
shoulder surgery recovery?
 11
B alance & S tability
QUESTION: Are you seeking quantifiable data to conduct sway and postural stability, fall-risk, or concussion assessments?

Your Solution Could be

MobileMat
Portable Pressure-Sensitive Platform
™
Learn More!

MobileMat is a lightweight, easy-to-transport,

powerful pressure mat for static and dynamic
assessments from virtually any testing
location. This helps you obtain weight bearing
information in an instant, while monitoring
progress of your subjects.
• Conduct a wide range of objective
balance tests, including single-leg,
tandem, squatting, and foot function
evaluations
• Measure sway and center of force over
time
• Manage subject/patient pre- and post-treatment
• Develop advanced protocols for injury-recovery and goal-driven
rehabilitative programs

R ecent B alance & S tability R esearch with

M obile M at :
• What are the postural control deficits after repetitive soccer heading?
• Can balance be an assessment of health-related quality of life in people living with
the HIV virus?*
• How does MobileMat compare to force plates in measuring balance and center of
pressure (CoP)?†
MobileMat is a simple, convenient platform to perform in-depth *This specific study used an earlier generation of the MobileMat system called the “MatScan.”
analysis on balance, plantar pressure profile asymmetries, and dynamic
weight transfer information that may be missed by visual observation. †This specific study used a similar, higher-resolution platform system called “HR Mat.”
 12
F ootwear R&D
QUESTION: Are you seeking data to optimize the function of footwear design?

Your Solutions Could be

F-Scan ™
Learn More! Strideway ™
Learn More!

In-Shoe Pressure Measurement System Modular Gait Analysis Platform

F-Scan is a useful method to develop the effects of footwear design by identifying
areas of high pressure, giving warning to potential sources of discomfort to the user.
This article shares more detail on how shoe footwear manufacturers and shoe
designers can use F-Scan in-shoe data to improve function and performance.
Because Strideway can measure plantar pressure, plus temporal (time), spatial (distance),
and kinetic (movement) parameters, designers can obtain interesting insights on how a
subject walks in different shoe types.
In fact, this case study shares a unique application where Strideway was used to compare
center of force trajectories of a subject walking in different heel heights.

S imilar R esearch :
• Can athletic shoe designs influence injury risk?
• Can traction performance be a measurable aspect in shoe design?

OR

Notice the shift in center of force

as the subject must regain balance
while walking with stilettos.

F-Scan data shows the

subject appears to
apply more pressure
to her left foot while
walking.
 13
R etail F oot M apping
QUESTION: Are you seeking an educational and engaging experience for your customers?

Your Solution Could be

Presto-Scan
Foot Function Assessment Platform
™
Learn More!

Presto-Scan has the ability to measure foot pressure

distribution while walking or standing. The system
is independent of footwear or insole manufacturers/
distributors, allowing you to stock any product and
guide your recommendations accordingly. The simple
user interface at an affordable price helps you focus on
serving your customers.
• Gather objective insights to recommend or build
custom orthotics tailored to address the specific
pathologies of clients.
• Identify customer foot type, foot function, and
weight distribution, guiding your customer to the
ideal footwear for their needs
• Store client information on foot type and footwear
preferences, helping you in your target marketing
efforts.

The Dr. Scholl’s® Custom Fit­™ Orthotics Kiosk

embodies a similar concept to the Presto-Scan
platform. Retailers work with Tekscan to customize
their system with any branding or data-capturing
features they wish.

Presto-Scan employs a low-profile pressure measurement

platform paired with engaging software to guide
customers toward their ideal shoe or orthotics.

Dr. Scholl’s and Custom Fit are registered trademarks and trademarks owned by the Scholl’s Wellness Co.
 14

CONCLUSION

How Can Your Field of Study

Benefit from Actionable Let’s start a conversation.
We at Tekscan understand the challenges researchers have when

Pressure Mapping Technology? it comes to obtaining actionable joint pressure and contact data.
Our representatives are standing by with tools to help you capture
insights that will make your research a game-changer.
No matter your research goals, pressure mapping technology provides objective data
for quantified analysis that delivers results. Unique insights from these systems help Visit www.tekscan.com/medical or call
researchers identify asymmetries and abnormalities that may otherwise go undetected 1.617.464.4282 for more information.
by visual observation.

For more ways Tekscan technologies have been used in human and
veterinary research, review our extensive
up-to-date bibliography. Visit the
Tekscan Medical
YouTube Channel

CLICK HERE!